At Gracie Barra Laval, our instructors adhere to the high standards of etiquette, instruction, and philosophy established by Master Carlos Gracie Jr. and the Gracie Barra Association. To uphold the integrity of our training and ensure a focus on safety, all instructors at our school are certified. Additionally, it is mandatory for all instructors to hold CPR and Basic First Aid certifications.
Meet our team of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu instructors
Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie Sr. > Helio Gracie > Carlos Gracie Junior > Bruno Fernandes > David Guigui
David Guigui is a true pioneer of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA in Quebec. His martial arts journey began in 1995, quickly leading to success in national championships and establishing him as a top competitor.
His distinct grappling style propelled him to an impressive 25-3 amateur fighting record. This success led to a professional career where he trained alongside legends of the sport, including Georges St-Pierre, David Loiseau, and Firas Zahabi.
A dedicated member of the Gracie Barra organization since 2006 under Master Bruno Fernandes, Coach Guigui is an expert in the classic, guard-based style of Jiu-Jitsu. He actively teaches and embodies the core Gracie Barra values of integrity, respect, and discipline, championing the “Jiu-Jitsu for Everyone” philosophy.
As the founder and head instructor of Gracie Barra Laval, David’s mission is to build a strong, inclusive team in his hometown—creating a world-class training environment that every student is proud to call home.
Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie Sr. > Helio Gracie > Carlos Gracie Junior > Bruno Fernandes > David Guigui > Matias Palma
As a 4 stripes purple belt and the organizational heart of Gracie Barra Laval, Matias Palma is central to our members’ experience. He competently handles all registrations, ensuring your sign-up process is simple, clear, and efficient.
On the mats, Matias is a key instructor who leads our entire Kids Program. His well-known calm demeanor and patient teaching style make him the ideal guide for our youngest students. You will also find him sharing his technical knowledge as an instructor for our adult and no-gi classes, helping students of all levels advance their game.
Meet Coach Francis Lemieux
Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie Sr. > Helio Gracie > Carlos Gracie Junior > Bruno Fernandes > David Guigui > Francis Lemieux
As a 4 stripes brown belt, Coach Francis Lemieux is a cornerstone of our instructional team. He teaches a range of classes, from our core adult programs to the specialized Advanced Classes, where he shares the high-level concepts and sophisticated techniques required for Jiu-Jitsu mastery.
His instruction is focused on one goal: helping dedicated students refine their skills, deepen their understanding of the art, and push beyond their limits.
Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie Sr. > Helio Gracie > Carlos Gracie Junior > Bruno Fernandes > David Guigui > Tommy Thiboutot
As Program Director and an instructor, Tommy is central to the student experience at Gracie Barra Laval. He is the main point of contact for everyone starting their journey, dedicated to making it exceptional from day one.
On the mats, Tommy is a key instructor for our Adult Fundamentals classes, where he helps new students build a strong and lasting foundation in Jiu-Jitsu. His passion is fostering the tight-knit, supportive community that defines our gym. He also manages our website and social media, keeping everyone connected.